|
Each year millions of people around the world suffer from joint and bone diseases and require
orthopaedic surgery. Polymer bone cements based on poly methyl-methacrylate (PMMA), due to itsunique properties such as biocompatibility and ability to bond bone with orthopaedic implants, are one
of the most common polymer composites used in orthopaedic and trauma surgery. On the other hand,
those materials are characterized by low mechanical properties , which can lead to accelerated implant
loosening in aggressive environment, such as human body. Over the years, researchers have studied the
PMMA, especially its failure mechanism. Multiple PMMA additives have been proposed in literature
in search of best PMMA mechanical properties enhancement. In this study, we have shown the results
of mixing PMMA with TCP (PMMA/TCP bone cement composite) and TCP (PMMA/TCP bone
cement composite), in regard to its mechanical properties. This study was conducted on commercially
available PMMA (Haraeus Palamed) mixed with TCP and TCP in different concentrations. TCP has
bacteriostatic properties and as a bone compatible material it stimulates bone regeneration and bone
ingrowth which highly increases survivor rate of PMMA bonding. However, adding particles to PMMA
can influence mechanical properties of bone cements. In our study we have analysed 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8
and 10% dry mass additives in regard to changes in mechanical properties depending on amount of
TCP concentration in bone cement mass. Samples were subjected to compressive loading. Selected
mode of loading is a typical loading mode found in human body after joint prosthesis implantation.
The analysis covered comparison of selected mechanical parameters of samples prepared accordingly
to manufacturer instructions and samples prepared with addition of TCP and TCP . Results of our
analysis revealed that TCP , which is crystals are triangular did not affect mechanical properties of
PMMA. On the other hand, TCP which inner structure is hexagonal, in addition of more than 3% of
dry mass produced slight but significant decrease in compressive strength of PMMA.
|
